beauty blog, cosmetic reviews, makeup tips, skin care advice

August 1, 2014July 19, 2015

Cosmetic Monster LOVELY ❤ HEALTHY ❤ HAPPY | August 2014

AUGUST 2014

A few months ago, Anastasia Beverly Hills (known for brows) launched a Contour Kit for $40. You see all the chiseled #selfies on Instagram – ladies with impossibly defined cheekbones and flawless bridges – and while contour products are nothing new (a tan brown eyeshadow does the job just as well) – it caused a buying frenzy that spurred comment battles and Facebook rants.[READ THE ANASTASIA CONTOUR KIT REVIEW]

Now Anastasia has introduced a collection of refills ($14 -or- buy 6 and get a free palette for $40) ranging in undertones and finishes. The launch of these coveted pans has been incredibly bumpy (failed launch, loads of website and ordering issues). BUT its still a great deal and I love the interactive ordering system where you can visually build your own palette. Now if only I could get my order to actually go through…

**Update: They charged me, but I show no order was submitted. 😦

AUGUST REVIEWS: Acne Cleansers, King Cobra Venom skin care, Best Hair Wax and more. Be sure to follow me on Pinterest for the latest in new products and Instagram for updates and giveaways.

THE BRAND SAYS: Our smart serum understands the particular needs of your skin, providing custom repair for the damage you see and the damage you don’t. Targeted repair as needed, where needed. Visibly addresses uneven skin tone, lines and wrinkles, firming, or radiance. Calming ingredients help skin stay more receptive to repair. Patented technology, 5 years of research. For all ages, all ethnicities.

MONSTER SAYS: This rich serum feels more like a moisturizer than a traditional serum. The gentle formula glides on and makes a wonderful makeup base, even if you choose to use it without additional moisturizer. While the “smart” and custom aspect of the serum seems a little unbelievable, the results after a week of twice daily use left my confused, dull skin worthy of at least a B+.

❤DIOR 5 COULEURS IN 96 PIED-DE-POULE ($60, dior.com). The traditional smokey eye makes a reappearance this Fall, updated with blacks in various undertones and finished. A touch of shimmer gold softens the look. BOSCIA BLACK CHARCOAL BLOTTING LINENS ($10, sephora.com). One of the only things I use to retouch during the day is blotting paper. These charcoal infused sheets purifies the pores and the chic Asian inspired paper folder makes it a lightweight alternative to a powder compact. TORY BURCH ‘BRIGITTE’ COATED POPLIN COSMETICS CASE ($78, nordstrom.com). I love cosmetic bags and this elegant modern baroque print transitions nicely into Fall.

EPSOM SALT & ACNE. Over the last few months, I’ve gone on a cleanse, stopped birth control pills, got sick, had fibromyalgia flare and went back on birth control pills. EPSOM SALT came into the picture when in desperation to ease my aches, I soaked in a bath of warm water and epsom salt. It worked wonders on my pain and just out of curiosity, did some research.

← Check out 21 Uses for Epsom Salt from wellnessmama.com.

Essentially, epsom salt is Magnesium Sulfate – and Magnesium is an important mineral that the body uses for nearly every function. Without getting too scientific – epsom salt works wonders on pain, as fertilizer, to draw out impurities…wait. Would it work on my acne? Stopping birth control sent my hormones into a tail-spin, and gave me newly acne prone skin (this is the 2nd time this has happened). Happily back on the pill (which works for me – everyone is different) but still left with acne till my hormones subside, using epsom salt (mixed with warm water) as a pm toner/mask really helps to purge skin of impurities, blemishes and excess oil without making it dry.

How To: Use about 1 tsp. epsom salt and 1 Tbsp. warm water. Let salt dissolve. Use a cotton pad or gauze pad to wipe the mixture onto skin. Avoid eyes. When its dry it leaves a white film. Leave it on. You can apply moisturizer if you want, but its not necessary.

There aren’t many things that make a woman happier than shopping. Personally, I have two vices: makeup and bags. Handbags, totes, cases, cosmetic bags…love them. I particularly like to find unique pieces like this FELTY HAWAII TABLET CASE ($30, feltyhawaii.etsy.com) which fits my Samsung Note 8.0 perfectly and has an urban chic vibe that isn’t uptight. The brown leatherette detail and craftsmanship make it look like its worth far more than $30. Its handmade by Joanna in Pupukea, Hawaii – so it comes drenched in the aloha spirit too. 🙂

I started carrying my Note 8.0 around with me so I would use it more often. Originally it was so I could do more posts and updates, but that hasn’t happened. Yet. I put a SMARTANGEL case on it and with the new Felty Hawaii Tablet Case, its finally made its way into my handbag. I may end up using it to play Hay Day & Plants vs. Zombies 2 (guilty pleasure), but at least it will finally get used.